There’s a good reason that Travis Olson’s grass is looking a little greener these days. As a recent graduate of Kwantlen’s Turfgrass Management Diploma program, Travis has just been named the winner of the 2011 Canadian Golf Superintendents Association’s Toro “Future Superintendent Award.”
“I feel very fortunate working for such great mentors as superintendent Neil Pilon and assistant superintendent Alex Inglis, both of whom have had huge influences on my life and career,” said Olson. “There is no doubt in my mind that this experience has been the most important in my career to date.”
As the winner of this year’s award, Olson will travel to Scotland and take part in a six-week training and work experience program.
He will also travel to Minneapolis to tour Toro’s headquarters and attend the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show in Calgary next February as a guest of the Canadian Golf Superintendent’s Association. Toro will also award a personal computer to Kwantlen’s School of Horticulture in recognition of Olson’s achievement.
“We’re all very proud of Travis’ achievements,” adds David Davidson, associate dean of Kwantlen’s School of Horticulture.
“He’s a great representative of the high quality of students that are graduating from our programs. Travis and his instructors truly deserve all the recognition they’re receiving with this award.”
Olson was also selected for the 2010 Western Canada Turfgrass Association Scholarship Award and the 2011 School of Horticulture award in recognition of his outstanding achievements.